Our group has come a long way from the first few days of awkwardness to almost family-like relations. We are used to each other being around and doing things together, whether it is going for trips or any social outing. The group element also contributes to the learning process as we all share our different takes on one single aspect. It is also nice to have some company to explore parts of Cape Town and friend to talk to about an incident or day. In a city like this having a group is a blessing because of the anxiety present about safety within the group. The diversity of the group was a plus as it allowed us to reflect on our own views and experience with race in the United States and elsewhere. In short, we have grown and gained a lot together in South Africa not only from our surroundings but each other.
I think if there was one thing that can be considered frustrating was the lack of available time to address personal needs like going on the Garden Route, which is a four-day excursion. I understand that packing so many activities concerning South Africa is a challenge in itself. But if most of the group trips and historic site visits could be conducted in the beginning, it would not only allow following study abroad groups to bond more, but also to understand South Africa better before beginning the internship. While the disadvantage might be that the group would get together less during the stay, I would suggest keeping the weekly meetings and occasional planned trips too. A week of tourism and understanding the country's history would be helpful.
In terms of the internship programme itself, nothing should be changed about them because that what makes it such a unique experience. If it is at all possible, the trip to Johannesburg should be done before the internship began. We would have more time to get into our work sites and possibly stay on longer with the particular organizations. Also lengthening the trip a little would be an added bonus because by the time we had settled into the routine of the work, it was time to leave.
Our accommodation was well-chosen as it not only encouraged us to treat Flower Street Villa as home, but felt like we were part of the community, living like South Africans. The kitchen became a common spot for interaction as we would all gather to eat and talk about each other’s day. And that element of making sure the entire group stays together is important to build cohesion.
I think it should be made necessary that we all take at least one visit to each other’s internship sites. I had heard so much about Wola Nani and The Homestead that I would have loved to have seen them. Unfortunately all our work schedules happened around the same time and so it was never possible to make arrangements. If that could be included as a part of the program, we could request permission from our supervisor to leave work and make a visit.
I think if there was one thing that can be considered frustrating was the lack of available time to address personal needs like going on the Garden Route, which is a four-day excursion. I understand that packing so many activities concerning South Africa is a challenge in itself. But if most of the group trips and historic site visits could be conducted in the beginning, it would not only allow following study abroad groups to bond more, but also to understand South Africa better before beginning the internship. While the disadvantage might be that the group would get together less during the stay, I would suggest keeping the weekly meetings and occasional planned trips too. A week of tourism and understanding the country's history would be helpful.
In terms of the internship programme itself, nothing should be changed about them because that what makes it such a unique experience. If it is at all possible, the trip to Johannesburg should be done before the internship began. We would have more time to get into our work sites and possibly stay on longer with the particular organizations. Also lengthening the trip a little would be an added bonus because by the time we had settled into the routine of the work, it was time to leave.
Our accommodation was well-chosen as it not only encouraged us to treat Flower Street Villa as home, but felt like we were part of the community, living like South Africans. The kitchen became a common spot for interaction as we would all gather to eat and talk about each other’s day. And that element of making sure the entire group stays together is important to build cohesion.
I think it should be made necessary that we all take at least one visit to each other’s internship sites. I had heard so much about Wola Nani and The Homestead that I would have loved to have seen them. Unfortunately all our work schedules happened around the same time and so it was never possible to make arrangements. If that could be included as a part of the program, we could request permission from our supervisor to leave work and make a visit.
If CIPA incorporates some of these suggestions, I am sure students would get much much more out of it. But then again, every group is different and has its own dynamic.
